Apple update rids "popping sounds" from Intel-based Macs

Apple Inc. on Monday released a minor software update to its Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger operating system that will put an end to the strange 'popping' sounds that became prevalent on some systems following last month's Mac OS X 10.4.10 Update.

Specifically, the Audio Update 2007-001 [660KB] addresses an issue with version 1.0 of the Mac OS X 10.4.10 Update in which a popping sound might be heard with some external speakers on Intel-based Mac.

Apple is recommending the Audio Update for all Intel-based Macs running Mac OS X 10.4.10. However, the company notes that the update can be installed only if the Mac OS X 10.4.10 Update client (or Universal Server) update is already installed.

It has been driving up the wall on my CD Mini 1.66 GHz! Thank you Apple. I thought it was feedback from running an ehternet cable over the cable drop going across the road until I went wireless. I then knew something wasn't right.

No way, it didn't solve the annoying pop sound.
When the system doesn't emit a sound for more than 1 minute, and then you do an action that causes a sound emission (e.g., empty trash), the popping experience starts again. It happens on boot sound too...

I still won't install 10.4.10. I just spent last night restoring my MBP which I bought in April because ever since I had installed it my wifi was intermittent and my computer unexpectedly froze (panic) every time i accessed the internet. I still do not know what caused this.

Oh my God. I thought something was wrong with my stereo. I would have never suspected the mac, but now that you mention it, the problem did start occurring recently and for no apparent reason. I was going crazy trying to find the source. I thought it was a problem with my cabling since the pops would usually occur whenever the air conditioner kicked on or if I clicked on a fluorescent lamp in the vicinity of my Intel-based Mac Mini. I'm glad to hear that it's been fixed and that I'm not the only one with the problem.

Dude, I had the problem. They have an update logic board replacement for that.

d'oh... you're right. i did not remember that and mistakenly assumed there has to be a software solution... maybe i'll send it in when i'm on vacation in august... how well went the repair process with your unit??

I just noticed the popping sound myself, thinking it had to do with some interference from my iPhone. And not two minutes later....

There may be another popping sound problem with the iPhone though. There are issues with phones on the AT&T network causing interference on speakers/audio amplifiers of all sorts. Car radios, windows PCs, Macs are all susceptible to interference on their cell phone frequency.

For example a realtor walked into our office the other day and our secretary's speakers started buzzing. Being familiar with the sound from my friends phone doing the same thing, I asked the realtor if he was on AT&T and he said yes and also confirmed he was aware of the speaker problem.

d'oh... you're right. i did not remember that and mistakenly assumed there has to be a software solution... maybe i'll send it in when i'm on vacation in august... how well went the repair process with your unit??

First, the update stopped my Mini from popping. Not a pop all day.

Second, the repair went well both times. The first they replaced the power inverter (I think) and the second came the "fix" with the new logic board. My clikc button doesn't move as much and I may have to send it back one day when I am free long enough to be without for them to fix the movement but all in all, it went fine.